If you want to see the largest herd movement of animals on the planet and also visit the best national parks in northern Tanzania, this is the perfect itinerary for you. The focus during this trip will be on the western part of the Serengeti, where the Great Migration across the Grumeti River from May to July. The herds of wildebeest en zebra must outsmart the huge Nile crocodiles and fast-flowing water before facing predators waiting on the other side. An amazing spectacle.

Day 1: Arrival – Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your accommodation in Arusha town, the Venus Premier hotel. Settle into your accommodation, ready to start your safari proper in the morning.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Today start your safari. After an early breakfast, you drive to Tarangire National Park with packed lunch for a game drive. This lovely park has the largest concentrations of elephants in the world and the highest number of breeding bird species. Especially during the dry season, Tarangire National park is packed with wildlife. Big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, but also the seldom seen Kudu, Oryx, and Gerenuk. The Tarangire River draws huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, as well as predators who prey upon them. Later in the afternoon, you drive to Sangaiwe lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Lake Manyara National Park

After breakfast, you go on a walking tour in farming town Mto wa Mbu. This village is unique in Tanzania since it is home to over 120 different tribes from across Africa and forms a colorful mix of customs. Your walking guide will take you to rice and banana plantations, a local beer factory, a school, and a carving factory. Discover the traditional way of life of the villagers. Continue to Lake Manyara National park, which is only a few minutes’ drives from Mto wa Mbu. Lake Manyara is known for its huge soda lake filled with pink-hued flamingos, a large population of baboons, incredible birdlife and breathtaking views. You can see giraffes, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, flamingos, and if you are lucky you spot a tree-climbing lion. In the late afternoon, you drive to Eileen’s Trees Inn for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Serengeti National Park (west)

This morning you drive to the famous Serengeti National Park. On the way you will stop at a Maasai village to get an insight in the lifestyle of these graceful warriors. Upon arrival in the Serengeti, you first have a picnic lunch and then continue with a beautiful game drive. There is a big change you can see the Great Migration of wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River in this area of the Serengeti between May and July. The herds must outsmart the crocodiles and fast-flowing water before facing predators waiting on the other side. An amazing spectacle. Dinner and overnight are at the beautiful Mbalageti Lodge.

Day 5: Serengeti National Park (west)

Rise up early, so that you can depart your lodge for a full day moving with the herds across the plains exploring the Great Migration. An impressive experience to see all those hoofed mammals, followed by predators, migrate in a clockwise circle every year. If you want to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) all in one park, the Serengeti is the place to be. Return back to Mbalageti Lodge for dinner and overnight. The views from the lodge over the Serengeti are fantastic.

Day 6: Serengeti National Park (central)

After breakfast, you depart for a game drive in the central part of the Serengeti. This part is famous for the abundance of lions and leopards that can usually be seen quite easily. Game viewing in this central area is spectacular all year round. Enjoy the views of endless plains and stunning wildlife like cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, ostrich, pangolin, and many more. Dinner and overnight will be at Serengeti Mbugani camp. This camp is the perfect blend of old African charm and elegance in the heart of Serengeti National Park.

Day 7: Ngorongoro Crater

Today you set off towards the Ngorongoro Crater for your last game drive. It shelters close to 30.000 animals including the Big Five. The crater teems with zebras, buffaloes, lions, wildebeest, baboons, elephants, flamingos, ostriches, hippos, cheetahs, and also the rare black rhino. The beautiful colors and dancing clouds make the crater almost surreal. Because of its natural beauty, the Ngorongoro Crater is chosen as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. In the late afternoon, you drive to Marera lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, you drive to Arusha, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight.